A partnership with Teesside University has helped a Tees Valley company develop a new suite of software products.

Nicander Ltd, based in Billingham, has taken part in a Knowledge Exchange Internship (KEI) programme with the University in order to develop a flexible range of software products which it can offer to customers.

Nicander provides innovative and effective software solutions, from simple desktop applications and apps for mobile phones through to complex software systems. The SME works with many different technologies from databases, graphical information systems and networking to telephony, CCTV and expert Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).

In order to appeal to new ITS markets Nicander wanted to consolidate and modularise its software to provide a flexible product suite which can be adapted to a customer’s needs and budget.

Through Innovate Tees Valley, Teesside University provided Nicander with part-funding for a Knowledge Exchange Internship.

Teesside University graduate Peter Southward has joined the company and, under the supervision of Tyrone Davison from Teesside University’s School of Computing, is playing a key role directing and supporting the development of the new software product suite which delivers a secure web service and mobile application to fully integrate the management of items such as incidents, events, assets, faults, personnel and reporting into a single solution.

The long term plan is for clients to utilise one, more, or all of its components meaning Nicander can now offer an extremely flexible solution that evolves as customers’ demands and budgets dictate.

Derek Lister, Director at Nicander, said: 'It’s been great to work with the University. 'We are always willing to explore new ways of doing things. Being part of such a fast moving industry means it is critical we keep abreast of the latest innovations and approaches.

'Peter has definitely been an asset and we are delighted with what he is achieving as part of the team here at Nicander.'

Innovate Tees Valley is an innovation supernetwork, delivered by a partnership between NEPIC, the Materials Processing Institute (MPI), DigitalCity and Teesside University.

Its aim is to help Tees Valley SMEs achieve growth through service and product innovation. Innovate Tees Valley is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

Tyrone Davison said: 'Working alongside business and industry helps inform our teaching and ensures our graduates are equipped with the right skills for the workplace when they leave the University.

'We were delighted to be able to assist Nicander to reach new markets and develop new products.'

The Innovate Tees Valley project has received up to £3.8million of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

The Department for Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.